I am very concerned about Stanford’s proposed development on El Camino Real. I think it is going to dramatically alter Menlo Park and make our city less livable.

In addition, I think that any new development by Stanford should include the following:

1. Meet recently adopted Green Building Standards: The Middle Plaza proposal should meet the environmental standards of the recently adopted zoning regulation update for the Bayfront (M2) area, including, but not limited to, renewable energy, electric car charging, water conservation, and zero waste policies.
2. Provide a comprehensive TDM program: Middle Plaza should employ all potential measures available to minimize the increase in vehicle trips from the project by incentivizing alternative travel methods, including charging for parking, transit passes for all site occupants (workers and residents), and ensuring a high-quality bike and pedestrian (multi-use) path along the development.
3. Support Menlo Park’s designation as a Tree City: The project should landscape all areas except for surface parking considered critical, with the remainder of parking underground.

Stanford should not be allowed to use lower standards on this development than it does on its own campus!

Stanford’s attempt to do so is very disrespectful to all of us in Menlo Park.